Enhancing Family Communication About Genetics: Ethical and Professional Dilemmas. Issue 1 (26th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hodgson, Jan; Gaff, Clara
• Is Part Of: Journal of genetic counseling. Volume 22:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2012-07-26
• Subjects: Family communication -- Reciprical‐engagement model of genetic counseling (REM); Genetic counseling -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1007/s10897-012-9514-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-7700

Abstract

Abstract: When a new genetic condition is diagnosed within a family, genetic counselors often describe a sense of responsibility towards other at risk family members to be appropriately informed about their status. Successful communication of genetic information in families is contingent on many factors. While a small number of probands directly state their intention not to inform their relatives, many who do intend to communicate this information appear to be unsuccessful for a wide range of reasons and may benefit from follow up support from a genetic counselor. Drawing on the reciprocal‐engagement model (REM) of genetic counseling practice we explore how enhancing family communication about genetics raises a number of ethical and professional challenges for counselors—and describe how we resolved these. A subsequent manuscript will describe the counseling framework we have developed to enhance family communication about genetics.